An 18-year-old from Waukegan, who was a Warren Township High School graduate, has been identified after he died in a motorcycle crash where he was ejected and struck by a semi-truck.
The Illinois State Police responded around 2:37 p.m. Thursday to the area of Interstate 294 near Wolfe Road in Franklin Park for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries.
Troopers arrived and found a three-vehicle crash in the southbound lanes, west of Wolf Road near milepost 37, according to state police.
The crash involved a motorcycle, a white Mercedes Van and a white semi-tractor-trailer truck.
State police said a preliminary investigation shows the Mercedes Sprinter van and the Freightliner semi-truck were traveling southbound on Interstate 294.
Both vehicles were proceeding slowly due to heavy traffic congestion.
The Kawasaki motorcycle, which was also traveling southbound, was weaving in between lanes of traffic, state police said.
The driver of the motorcycle lost control and struck the rear of the Mercedes van.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office on Monday identified the motorcyclist as Jordan J. Jeffrey, 18, of Waukegan.
Jeffrey was ejected and landed in the roadway where he was struck by the semi-truck.
He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, state police said.
The medical examiner’s office said Jeffrey died shortly after arriving at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.
The interstate was partially blocked as troopers investigated the crash.
State police said motorists are urged to slow down and move over as they approach any crash scene.
An autopsy performed by the medical examiner’s office confirmed Jeffrey died as a result of blunt force injuries from the crash.
Jeffrey, who lived on the border of Gurnee and Waukegan, was a recent graduate of Warren Township High School in Gurnee.
“Jordan was known for his fearless spirit and his passion for living life to the fullest. He was never afraid to take risks and constantly pushed himself and those around him to reach their highest potential,” his obituary said.
“He had a way of lighting up every room he entered. With his bright smile and positive energy, he made people feel seen, valued, and uplifted. Jordan touched everyone he met through his kindness, his joy, and his unshakable belief in others,” the obituary said.
The crash remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police, which said no further information was available on the incident.